On Friday, April 30, 2021, Clackamas Fire District #1 Fire Chief, Fred Charlton is retiring after serving as the department’s Fire Chief for nine years. Chief Charlton’s fire service career spans 32 years, beginning in Forest Grove in 1989 as a volunteer, before being hired with the City of Milwaukie as a career Firefighter and paramedic in 1994. Before being appointed as the Fire Chief in July of 2012, Chief Charlton promoted his way through the ranks, serving as a Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Deputy Chief.
During his time as Fire Chief, Chief Charlton was responsible for a number of programs and initiatives that focused on improving firefighter safety and enhancing service delivery to the community. Among those initiatives were:
- The successful passing of a $29 million general obligation bond that led to replacing the department’s emergency response apparatus, purchasing firefighter safety equipment, and building two new community fire stations along with a new fleet and logistics center.
- Worked to legally integrate Boring Fire District #59 with Clackamas Fire District #1 in 2015, to enhance emergency response services.
- Served as a regional fire service leader as the Clackamas Fire Defense Board Chief and Oregon Fire Chiefs Association President, where he advocated for statewide safety enhancements.
Oregon State Fire Marshal, Marianna Ruiz-Temple states, “Chief Charlton has been a steadfast leader, providing dedicated service to his community and the people of Oregon throughout his career. Chief Charlton unfalteringly rose to meet the challenges that faced his community and Oregon during his career. Most recently, leading the state’s fire service response to COVID-19. I thank Chief Charlton for his service, leadership and partnership with the Office of State Fire Marshal as he enters retirement leaving the fire service in strong place.”
As he reflects on his career, Chief Charlton says, “It has been an honor and humbling experience to protect the lives and property of our community for the past 26 ½ years. I started as a brand-new Firefighter in 1994 in the City of Milwaukie and never dreamed of where my career would take me and my family. Clackamas Fire District #1 is an incredible organization and I have had the privilege to be the Fire Chief for the past nine years. With the support of my family, I am moving on to the next chapter in life and looking forward to serving in new ways.” Chief Charlton has been selected as the Division Chief of Training for Hillsboro Fire & Rescue and will begin work in early May.
The Clackamas Fire District #1 Board of Directors have selected Division Chief Nick Browne to succeed Chief Charlton. Chief Browne will begin serving as Fire Chief on May 1, 2021 with a formal transfer of command to be held in June.
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